VirtualClassTM Version 4.
Copyright Notice No part of this publication may be copied, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means without the expressed written permission of FarStone Technology, Inc. FarStone grants you the right to use one copy of the enclosed software program ("SOFTWARE") on a single computer.
Contents CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO VIRTUALCLASS................................ 7 1-1 WHAT IS VIRTUALCLASS? .......................................................................... 7 1-2 GLOSSARY .................................................................................................. 7 1-3 MAIN FEATURES ......................................................................................... 8 1-3.1 Teaching function ...............................................................................
3-12 SEND AND RECEIVE FILE ........................................................................ 33 3-12.1 Distribute File to student................................................................. 33 3-12.2 Collect Files from Student .............................................................. 34 3-13 VIRTUALCLASS E-TABLET ...................................................................... 34 3-13.1 Open e-Tablet..................................................................................
8-3 TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT AND PRODUCT UPDATE ......................................
Chapter 1 Introduction 6
Chapter 1 Introduction to VirtualClass 1-1 What is VirtualClass? VirtualClass 4.0 is a real-time, interactive multimedia broadcast system that emulates a classroom situation over a network. It incorporates a revolutionary design combining hardware and software to establish a more efficient and stable framework for education. VirtualClass offers teachers a highly effective and versatile tool that enables them to fully achieve the potential of multimedia teaching and learning.
Student List A file used for saving the information of all students who previously logged in to a specific classroom. The default path for saving the file is: %WindowsDire (Windows system location, e.g. C:) % \Program Files\FarStone\VirtualClass/vclass.vcm. If you back up this file during the VirtualClass uninstallation process, the student list will be restored when the program is reinstalled. 1-3 Main Features 1-3.
z Chatroom Chatroom provides an environment for the teacher and students to discuss and interact. The teacher can invite a certain student into or drop him out of the chatroom. z Send Message The teacher can send a message to a specified student or to all students simultaneously. He/She can enable or disable the students’ ability to send a message back. z Raise Hand Students can “raise their hand” to call the teacher’s attention when he/she want to ask a question.
running. And the teacher can enable a specific student or all students to select a classroom. zSet functions of student’s computer Enables the teacher to set the functions of a student’s computer. For example, he/she can enable or disable students’ ability to raise their hand or quit the classroom. z Live Update When a new version of VirtualClass is released, the teacher could update the application with the configured upgrading package sent by FarStone.
Chapter 2 Installation 11
Chapter 2 Installation 2-1 System Requirements Teacher Computer VirtualClass keypad (optional) Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000/NT4/XP 450 MHz Pentium III processor (or compatible) or better 30 MB of free hard disk drive 24X CD-ROM 256 MB of RAM Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.
Step 1 Insert the VirtualClass CD into your CD drive. The Setup program should start automatically. If it does not, run the SETUP.EXE file directly from the CD. Also, if you are installing from a network or hard disk, double-click 'setup.exe' to launch the Windows Installer program. Step 2 Carefully read the License Agreement and select 'I agree' if you accept the License conditions. If you do not accept the terms in this agreement, the setup will be aborted.
Step 5 Enter a location for VirtualClass to load its program files. Step 6 Click Next to confirm the selections and to start installing VirtualClass on your computer. Step 7 Click Finish to end the installation of the VirtualClass program files. After the installation is complete, you can launch VirtualClass and/or show the Readme file by selecting the appropriate checkboxes, as Fig. 2-2c shows. Fig. 2-2c 2-2.
and type “E:\setup.exe /s /s” and press enter to start the installation. 2-2.3 Uninstalling VirtualClass Step 1 Close VirtualClass before uninstalling it. Right-click on the VirtualClass icon in the system tray and select Exit from the popup menu to close VirtualClass.
remain the same next time VirtualClass is installed on the computer. Step 4 Selecting either Yes or No will start the uninstallation process. After successfully removing VirtualClass from your computer, click OK.
Chapter 3 Using VirtualClass Teacher 17
Chapter 3 Using VirtualClass--Teacher 3-1 Overview of common menus of VirtualClass Teacher First, this section introduces the main interface, common menus, bars, buttons and quick-keys on VirtualClass Teacher so that the user can be familiar with this application and use it easily. 3-1.1 Main Interface Fig. 3-1a Title Bar: Name of the application. Menu Bar: All functions can be accessed through these menus. Tool Bar: Common functions can be accessed through the buttons on this bar.
order of student icons. He/She can access common functions through the sub-menu “To all students”. The 2nd case: When right-clicking on the student icon, the menu is as follows. The gray indicates you cannot perform this function.
status bar and information area. You can also change the display of student icons. Help: “Online help” and “About” (version, copyright, and license information, etc.) 3-1.4 Tool Bar Buttons in this bar enable the teacher to perform some common functions conveniently. ： Single-click it to broadcast the teacher’s screen and voice message to a student or students. : Single-click it to play and broadcast digital media such as video clips, VCDs or MP3s to students’ computers.
: Single-click it to send a text message to student(s) : Single-click it to communicate with specified student(s) in text. : Single-click it to lock a student’s computer. : Single-click it to unlock a student’s computer. : Single-click it to stop the current operation. This function is somewhat like the ESC button. 3-1.5 VirtualClass Lit Interface The lit interface is a float bar containing some common function buttons. It appears on the upper screen when the teacher hides the main interface.
3-2.1 Launch VirtualClass Teacher Installing the VirtualClass Teacher program will add the VirtualClass icon to the Teacher's desktop. You can launch VirtualClass by either (a) double-clicking the icon, or (b) selecting Start Menu -> Program -> VirtualClass Teacher. When VirtualClass is started, the teacher will be asked to select an empty classroom to start the class, as shown in Fig. 3-2a. Click OK to confirm your selection and start VirtualClass.
VirtualClass VirtualClass Live-Update Service 3-2.2 Hide the Main Interface When the teacher minimizes the main interface, it is hidden, and the lit interface will appear. There are two ways to turn back to the main interface. 1. Click the “Back” button on the lit interface bar. 2. Right-click the “VirtualClass” icon and select “Show” in the popup menu. in the Windows system tray, 3-2.
Note: When this function is performed, the dropped student’s icon still exits in the classroom, but in the offline status. z Delete a student The teacher can delete a selected student by selecting Manage -> Delete student in the Menu Bar. When this function is performed, the deleted student’s icon will be deleted from this classroom. It will appear only when he logs in to this classroom again. z View a student’s properties There are two ways to perform this function: 1.
Select a bundled IP address: When there is more than one network adapter and IP address on the teacher computer, he/she can select one as the default address bundled to the VirtualClass application. Multi-view: Screens viewed at a time: The teacher can decide on the number of student screens viewed at a time. Refresh interval: The teacher can decide to refresh the multi-view on an interval between 5 to 30 seconds. Other: The teacher can set the image quality dragging the slide bar.
students’ controls are disabled while this mode is active. 2) While the broadcasting mode is active, the main interface will turn into the lit interface automatically. 3) The teacher can broadcast to a selected student or to all students in the classroom. After student(s) is/are selected (if none are selected, the default is all students), there are four ways to activate this mode: 1. Single-click the icon in the Tool Bar; 2.
4. drop menu; Simply press “Ctrl+V” on the keyboard. 3-5.2 Multi-View In the Multi-View mode, the teacher can view at most 16 screens at the same time. When more that 16 screens need to be viewed, then VirtualClass will Cycle through, viewing each group of 16 computer screens for the set Cycle interval. Note: To set the interval, go to Manage on the Menu Bar and select Preference from the drop menu to open the Preference window. Select the Teacher page, and then edit the 'Refresh interval'.
this function: button in the Tool Bar; 1. Select a student, single-click the 2. Right-click on the selected student icon, and select “Screen Reflect” in the popup menu. 3. Select a student. Choose Teach in the Menu Bar, and then select Screen Reflect; 4. Select a student. Press “Ctrl+R” on the keyboard. When this operation is performed, a dialog titled VirtualClass - Screen Reflect will pop up on the screen, as is shown in Fig. 3-6a. Fig.
displayed in a window on the Teacher’s screen. The student’s number, name and IP address is displayed in the title bar of this window. The teacher can take full control in this window just like operating on the student computer. Note: 1) If the teacher selects the “Lock the computer that is being controlled” option in Manage -> Preference -> Student -> Lock, the controlled student cannot operate on his own computer; otherwise, both the teacher and the controlled student can operate.
1. Single-click the button in the Tool Bar; 2. Right-click on one of the selected student icons and choose Talk in the popup menu; 3. Select a student. Choose Teach in the Menu Bar and select Talk; 4. Select a student. Press “Ctrl+T” on the keyboard. Note: When a student is under the talk mode, his icon changes into 3-10 Send Message to Student The teacher can send a message to a student. He/She can also enable/disable the ability of students to send messages to him/her.
Fig. 3-10a Fig. 3-10b 3-11 Text Communicate in Chatroom The teacher can communicate with a selected student or with all students in the class using text. There are fours ways to enter the chatroom mode: button in the Tool Bar; 1. Single-click the 2.
① ③ ② Fig. 3-11a. Note: : Message area: All messages displayed in the frame. : Typing area: Type your message in this frame, and click the Send button on the right to display it in the Message area. : Function Bar. Click to change the color of the word you typed out; Click to insert a face expression icon; Click , and the “Add student list” dialog box will pop up on the screen, as shown in Fig. 3-11b. Fig. 3-11b Student Name, Computer Name and IP address of all online students will appear in this box.
drop selected student(s) out of the Chatroom. 3-12 Send and Receive Files With this function, the teacher can distribute files, pictures or applications needed in teaching a specified student or to all students in the class. He/She can also collect students’ work in his/her own computer for checking. 3-12.1 Distribute File to student The teacher can distribute files to a selected student or to all students. If none is selected, the default is to all students in class.
3-12.2 Collect Files from Student The teacher can collect files from a selected student or from all students. If none is selected, the default is all students in the class. After selection, there are two ways to perform this function: 1. Select “Teach -> Collect file” in the Menu Bar; 2. Press “Ctrl+D” on the keyboard. After this operation, a “Collect files” dialog box will appear on screen, as shown in Fig. 3-12b. Fig.
interface. Then an e-Tablet tool box will appear on the upper right screen, as shown in Fig. 3-13.1a. Fig. 3-13.1a 3-13.2 Use e-Tablet drawing tools To use the e-Tablet drawing tools: Step 1 Single-click on the chosen tool (the active tool will be highlighted). Step 2 Move the mouse cursor to the point where you want to begin drawing on the screen and single-click to set the 'start draw' point. Step 3 Move the cursor to where you want the drawing to end and single-click again to set the 'end draw' point.
Step 4 The image you created can be saved on the hard disk by selecting Save on the drawing tools box. You can open an existing image by selecting Open as well. Note: (1) Right-clicking on any part of the screen will hide the drawing tool. (2) The tools in this box are used in the same way as other drawing tools, such as the Paint function in Windows accessories. 3-14 Raise Hand With the ‘Raise Hand’ function, a student can send notice to the Teacher indicating he/she wishes to ask a question.
Fig. 3-15a Click “Yes” to shut down. After this operation, the student icon will change into offline status (gray colored). Click “No” to abandon the shutdown operation. 3-16 Lock/Unlock Student Computer 3-16.1 Lock student computer The teacher can ‘black lock’ a selected student’s computer or lock all student computers. After selection, there are four ways to lock a student’s computer: (If none is selected, the default is to all students in the class.) button in the Tool Bar; 1. Single-click the 2.
2. Select locked student(s). Right-click on one of selected icons, and choose Unlock in the popup menu; 3. Select locked student(s) (if none is selected, default is all locked students.). Choose Teach in the Menu Bar, then select Unlock; 4. Select locked student(s) (if none is selected, default is all locked students.). Press “Ctrl+U” on the keyboard. Note: 1) If clicking the Unlock button default is to unlock all locked students.
Chapter 4 Using VirtualClass Student 39
Chapter 4 Using VirtualClass--Student 4-1 Start VirtualClass--Student and Student Menu 4-1.1 Start VirtualClass Installing the VirtualClass Student program will add the VirtualClass icon to the Student's desktop. You can launch VirtualClass by either (a) double-clicking the icon, or (b) selecting Start Menu -> Program -> VirtualClass Student. After launching VirtualClass Student, there will be a VirtualClass icon on the Student computer’s taskbar, as shown in the red circle in Fig. 4-1.1a.
4-1.2 Student Menu If you right-click on the VirtualClass icon in the taskbar, the student menu will pop up, as shown in Fig. 4-1.2a. Fig. 4-1.2a Fig. 4-1.2b Note: 1) When Right-clicking on the offline icon, the menu is as Fig.4-1.2b shows; 2) Some functions may be disabled by the Teacher Computer. Disabled function options are gray and cannot be used; 3) Help: Click it to open the online help file. About: Click it to view version, copyright and license information.
Message" in the popup menu, and then a Send Message dialog box will be displayed on the screen as shown in Fig. 4-3a. Fig. 4-3a. Note: If the teacher unchecks the Allow to send message box in VirtualClass preferences, then students cannot perform this operation. 4-4 Select a Classroom If allowed by the teacher to select a classroom, the students can right-click on the VirtualClass icon in the task tray and click "Select a Classroom" in the popup menu.
displayed as shown in Fig. 4-5a. Fig. 4-5a The student can type in the IP address or name of the Teacher Computer, and click OK to log on to that Teacher Computer. 4-6 View Received Files When the teacher sends a file to a student, a notice window (Fig. 4-6a) will instantly appear on the bottom right. Clicking the file name in the collected file list will open this file. Fig.
4-7 Receive and Reply to a Message When the teacher sends a message to a student, a Message dialog box will instantly pop up on student screen, as shown in Fig. 4-7a. Fig. 4-7a Click Reply to show Fig. 4-7b. Type message in the dialog box and send it back to the teacher. Fig. 4-7b 4-8 Exit Classroom To Exit the VirtualClass Student program, right-click on the small icon on the taskbar, and then select Exit from the drop menu.
Chapter 5 Using VirtualClass NetMovie 45
Chapter 5 VirtualClass NetMovie 5-1 VirtualClass NetMovie - Introduction The NetMovie Manager provides a convenient way of managing and running all your multimedia files on CD, hard disk, or server. It also enables you to broadcast live and/or play live recordings, from within VirtualClass. NetMovie adapts a Client/Server mode; supports most multimedia formats such as MPEG, DAT, MP3, WAV, etc. NetMovie is also an excellent tool for creating, classifying, adding and organizing your multimedia resources.
all students” option, and select Show Movie in the popup menu. 3. Select a student or students, then select Teach in the Menu Bar, and choose Show Movie in the drop menu; 4. Select a student/students and press “Ctrl+M” on the keyboard. in the lit interface, by Note: If clicking the NetMovie button default all students are chosen to see the movie. 5-2.2 Using NetMovie Manager It must first be pointed out that all the functions introduced below can be accessed in the right-click menu.
List dialog box shown in Fig. 5-2.2b. Fig. 5-2.2b The NetMovie player will play files on the list in sequence. The teacher can add, delete and change the sequence of files on the list. He/She can also view the properties of selected files by clicking the Properties button and displaying the Properties window, as shown in Fig. 5-2.2c. Fig. 5-2.
z Play Control Play Mode Button Description Play Play a file after it is paused or stopped. Pause Pause a file that is currently playing. Stop Stop a file that is currently playing. Previous Go back to the beginning of this file. Rewind Skip backward when playing a file. Skip Forward Skip Forward when playing a file. Next Play the next file on file list. z Volume The Teacher can adjust the playing volume by dragging the volume bar shown in Fig. 5-2.2d. Fig. 5-2.
5-3 NetMovie - Student Starting the NetMovie on the Teacher's computer will launch the NetMovie displayer on the student computer automatically and will receive the movie simultaneously. The NetMovie displaying on the student computer is shown in Fig. 5-3a. Fig. 5-3a While receiving NetMovie, students can perform the following operation: z Adjust the display window to full screen by clicking . z Hide the display window by clicking the ‘minimize window’ button .
Chapter 6 Using VirtualClass Keypad 51
Chapter 6 VirtualClass Keypad 6-1 VirtualClass Keypad Introduction VirtualClass Keypad is an external hardware device, shown in Fig. 6-2b. The teacher can perform the most commonly used functions by simply pressing a key on this pad. The keypad makes teaching much easier and more convenient. 6-2 Install VirtualClass Keypad Connect the VirtualClass keypad to the PS/2 port on the teacher computer and connect the standard keyboard to another port on the VirtualClass keypad, as shown in Fig. 6-2a.
• Fig 6-2b Number Keys (1-9) These keys are used to select a specific computer. For example, if you want to control student 112, you should type the number 112 first before executing any actions. • List Displays the name and number of all students who are online. If all of the students cannot be displayed on one page, then press List again to scroll to the next page. • Broadcast Broadcasts the teacher’s screen, a model student’s screen or a voice message.
• Voice Pressing this key will broadcast the teacher’s voice message to all students. The teacher can also have a one-on-one chat with a student by selecting the number of the student before pressing the Voice key. • Adv. Launches VirtualClass advanced functions. There are two options in the Advanced window: e-Tablet and NetMovie. E-Tablet is designed to complement the VirtualClass Screen Broadcast.
keypad and then press Lock. If no student number is entered prior to pressing Lock, then all of the systems will be locked. • Esc Cancel the current process. For example, if the user is currently broadcasting, pressing Esc will stop the broadcasting.
Chapter 7 Network Test 56
Chapter 7 Network Test VirtualClass is equipped with a network diagnostic tool for both the teacher program and the student program to ensure that the classroom network functions properly. If the program does not seem to be able to find a network, please run the VirtualClass network test tool from Start->All programs->VirtualClass->Network Test. Fig.Fig. 4-1a Step 1 Click the Start button on the top to begin sending test information from the teacher’s computer to the student’s computer.
Chapter 8 Appendix 58
Chapter 8 Appendix 8-1 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q1. Why can’t I turn off (or restart) the student computer using the VirtualClass teacher program? If the student computer stops responding when you try to turn it off (or restart it), select Power Options from the control panel, and then select “Shut Down” from the “When I press…” drop menu in the Advanced tab. Or check Enable Advanced Power Management support on the APM tab.
Q2. I turned off the student computer using the VirtualClass teacher program. Why does the Scandisk program always run on the next system startup? Not all of the programs were closed properly when VirtualClass shut down the student systems. Please close all of the running programs prior to restarting or shutting down. Q3. I reinstalled the VirtualClass teacher program on my computer.
Q4. When should the student log in to the classroom manually? If the classroom is already online but the student cannot find the classroom in the teacher list, you can enter the teacher computer name or IP address to log in to this classroom. Q5. Can I change the language displayed in VirtualClass without reinstalling the program? Yes. You need to copy the ResXXXX.
of the operating system: Windows NT, 2000: C:\Winnt\System32\Msiexec.exe /REGSERVER Windows 9x, Me or XP: C:\Windows\System\Msiexec.exe /REGSERVER Make sure that the Installer folder in the Windows directory on the machine is not read-only. The path to the installer folder is typically C:\Winnt\Installer on Windows NT, 2000 and XP machines and C:\Windows\Installer on Windows 9x and Me machines. Right-click on the Installer folder and make sure that it is not read-only.
The following functions will use sounds: when using the Monitor, Control and Talk. the teacher and students can communicate with each other; when using the Broadcast and Lecture functions, students can only hear from the teacher.
8-2 License Agreement FARSTONE TECHNOLOGY, INC. (FARSTONE) END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR VIRTUALCLASS, HEREAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE "SOFTWARE" PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: THE USE OF THIS "SOFTWARE" IS SUBJECT TO THE "SOFTWARE" LICENSE TERMS OF FARSTONE AND OTHER LICENSORS WHOSE SOFTWARE MAY BE BUNDLED WITH THIS PRODUCT. BY YOUR USE OF THE "SOFTWARE" INCLUDED WITH THIS PRODUCT YOU AGREE TO THE LICENSE TERMS REQUIRED BY THE LICENSOR OF THE "SOFTWARE", AS SET FORTH BELOW.
networked or shared environment where either direct or indirect connections are made through software or hardware which pools or aggregates connections. As a specific condition of this License, you agree to use the "Software" in compliance with all applicable laws, including copyright laws, and that you will not copy, transmit, perform or distribute any audio or other content using the "Software" without obtaining all necessary Licenses or permissions from the owner of the content. C.
the "Software" legally and responsibly. Should any provision of this Agreement be declared unenforceable in any jurisdiction, then such provision shall be deemed severable from this Agreement and shall not affect the remainder hereof. FarStone reserves all rights in the “Software” not specifically granted in this Agreement. Should you have any questions concerning this Agreement, you may contact FarStone by writing to: FarStone Technology, Inc. Legal Department 15 Hammond Dr.
